Question 1

🐾 What should I have ready before pickup day?

Accepted Answer

Before your puppy comes home, we recommend having a few essentials prepared: a safe sleeping space (crate or playpen), food and water bowls, the same food your puppy has been eating, a leash and harness, and a few simple toys.  Our puppies come to you potty pad/litter trained. If you choose to continue these practices,  you should be sure to have these supplies on hand as well. Having everything ready ahead of time helps your puppy transition smoothly into their new environment.

Question 2

🐾 What food will my puppy be eating when they come home?

Accepted Answer

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, all of our puppies go home on a consistent, high-quality diet that supports healthy growth.  Our brand of choice is a USA made brand, NutriSource Chicken and Rice for Medium Breed Puppy Formula. We will provide you with the exact food brand and feeding routine your puppy is used to, so you can continue it at home without sudden changes. You may also choose to the puppy food of your choice at this time. If you need recommendations, we're happy to chat with you about puppy nutrition.

Question 3

🐾 How often should my puppy eat during the first few weeks at home?

Accepted Answer

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, our puppies are raised on a free-feed routine. That means food is available throughout the day so your puppy can graze as needed while they’re growing. In the evening, we typically pick up the food around 7:00 p.m., and then put it back down again in the morning (around 7:00–8:00 a.m.). This schedule supports steady growth while also helping establish a simple day-to-night routine.

As your puppy settles in, many families choose to gradually transition to two or three small meals per day, especially as they begin exploring special diets, high-quality brands, or even mixing wet and dry food together. Whether you keep things simple or become a little “puppy chef,” we’re always happy to guide you toward a routine that keeps your Frenchie healthy, happy, and thriving.

Question 4

🐾What is normal behavior the first night home?

Accepted Answer

The first night (and even the first few nights) can be a big adjustment for a new puppy. It is completely normal for puppies to whimper, cry a little, or have some trouble settling in at first — they have just left their mother and littermates for the very first time.

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, we send our puppies home with a scented blanket that smells like their mom and litter, which can be very comforting during this transition.

This is also a great time to think about your puppy’s nighttime setup. Some families choose a crate or playpen as a safe sleeping space, while others prefer to have their Frenchie close by in the bedroom. No matter what you choose, consistency and comfort are key.

Many families also find that a soft comfort toy, such as a heartbeat-style Snuggle Puppy, can be especially helpful for soothing a puppy during those first few nights.
With patience, reassurance, and a calm routine, most puppies settle in beautifully within a few days.

Question 5

🐾 How do I help my puppy adjust to a new environment?

Accepted Answer

Keep things calm and simple during the first few days at home. Limit visitors, keep the environment quiet, and allow your puppy time to rest and bond with you. The more predictable the routine, the more secure your puppy will feel.

Consistency is especially important early on — try to keep feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and bedtime on a steady schedule. Puppies thrive when they begin to understand what comes next.
It’s also helpful to remember that young puppies sleep a great deal. Many puppies will nap for most of the day, often up to 20–22 hours in a 24-hour period. Plenty of rest is normal and essential for healthy growth, so give your puppy lots of quiet time between activities.

If you have other pets at home, slow and gentle introductions are best. Giving your new puppy space to settle in before meeting other animals can help make the transition smoother for everyone.
With patience, reassurance, and a calm routine, most puppies adjust beautifully within the first week.

Question 6

🐾 When should I schedule my puppy’s first vet visit?

Accepted Answer

We recommend scheduling your puppy’s first veterinary visit within the first few days after bringing them home. This early appointment is a wonderful way to establish care with your veterinarian, confirm that your puppy is adjusting well, and give you a chance to ask any questions as you begin life together.

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, every puppy goes home with complete health documentation, including age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming records, and any additional care that may have been completed for older puppies. All paperwork is provided in your go-home folder along with your puppy’s AKC information.

If you do not already have a veterinarian, we are always happy to help recommend trusted local options so you feel fully supported from the very beginning.

Question 7

🐾 What vaccines and deworming will my puppy already have?

Accepted Answer

Before going home, your puppy will have already received age-appropriate deworming and their age-appropriate core vaccines. We provide complete documentation outlining exactly what your puppy has received and when future boosters will be due.

We also encourage families to discuss with their veterinarian whether any additional vaccines may be recommended based on your location and lifestyle — for example, puppies who will be spending time outdoors in tick-heavy areas or eventually attending daycare may have different needs.

We are always happy to walk you through your puppy’s records so you feel confident about what comes next.

Question 8

🐾 How do I start potty training my French Bulldog puppy?

Accepted Answer

Potty training begins with routine and consistency. Young puppies do best when they are taken out frequently — especially after waking up, after eating, after playtime, and before bedtime.
Accidents are completely normal in the beginning. The key is gentle repetition, lots of praise, and keeping your puppy on a predictable schedule. French Bulldogs respond especially well to enthusiastic encouragement — a happy voice, excitement, and a small treat when they potty in the right place can go a long way.

Many families choose to use potty pads during the early weeks, especially when puppies are still very young or spending time in a contained area like a kitchen or playpen. Pads can be a helpful temporary transition tool and are often much better than a puppy having an accident on carpet while they are still learning.

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, our puppies are introduced to early potty foundations, including litter training and turf training, which gives families flexibility as they decide what long-term routine works best in their home. Whether you prefer outdoor potty training, an indoor turf area, a litter box setup, or a combination, we are happy to guide you through the transition.

Whatever method you choose, consistency and positive reinforcement are always the keys to success.

Question 9

🐾 Should my puppy sleep in a crate or a play yard?

Accepted Answer

Both crates and play yards can be wonderful tools for helping a puppy feel safe and secure, especially during the first weeks at home. A crate provides a cozy, den-like sleeping space, while a puppy play yard offers a little more room to stretch out and move around safely.

Another common option is using baby gates to create a small, puppy-safe area. Many families choose to gate off a laundry room, bathroom, or other easy-to-clean space with a hard floor. This can be a great solution during the early weeks, especially while potty training is still in progress.

Many families use a combination of setups — for example, a crate for nighttime sleep, a play yard during the day, or a gated area for supervised puppy time.

French Bulldogs are a very people-oriented breed, so it is also common for families to keep their puppy close by at night, especially in the beginning. Whether your puppy sleeps in your bedroom or in another quiet area of the home, the most important thing is that they have a consistent, comfortable space to settle.

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, we encourage a calm bedtime routine, gentle reassurance, and a safe setup that helps your puppy feel secure as they adjust to their new home.

Question 10

🐾 How can I help my puppy feel comfortable when left alone?

Accepted Answer

French Bulldogs are an extremely people-oriented breed, and they form strong bonds with their families very quickly. Because they love being close, some puppies can feel stressed if they are suddenly left alone for long periods without preparation.

Separation anxiety simply means a puppy feels anxious when separated from their person — and the good news is that it can often be prevented with gentle, gradual practice from the beginning.
The best way to help your puppy feel comfortable alone is to teach them, little by little, that short periods of quiet rest are safe. Start with brief separations during the day — even just a few minutes — while your puppy is relaxed in a secure space such as a crate or play yard.

Providing a comfort item, a safe chew, or a familiar blanket can also help your puppy feel settled. Try to keep departures and arrivals calm and low-key, so your puppy learns that coming and going is simply part of everyday life.

With consistency, patience, and gradual independence-building, most puppies grow into confident companions who feel secure both with you and when resting on their own.

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, we are always happy to support families through this adjustment period, because helping your puppy feel safe and confident is one of the most important parts of a successful transition home.

Question 11

🐾 When can my puppy go outside or meet other dogs?

Accepted Answer

It is completely natural to want to take your new puppy everywhere right away, but it is important to be mindful during the early weeks before their vaccine series is complete.

Your puppy can absolutely enjoy fresh air and outdoor time at home in safe, clean areas. Many puppies love sitting outside with their family, exploring a private yard, or getting used to new sights and sounds in a controlled way.

However, we recommend avoiding high-traffic public dog areas — such as dog parks, pet store floors, or places where many unknown dogs have been — until your veterinarian confirms your puppy is fully protected through their vaccinations.

Meeting other dogs should also be done gradually and safely. Friendly, healthy, vaccinated dogs in your family or close circle are usually the best first introductions.

At Kiki Leigh Frenchies, we are always happy to help guide families on safe socialization so puppies can build confidence while staying protected.

Question 12

🐾 Do French Bulldogs make good emotional support dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — French Bulldogs often make wonderful emotional support companions. They are deeply people-oriented, affectionate, and happiest when they are close to their families.

Frenchies are known for their gentle, comforting presence. Many owners love that they are content to sit beside you, follow you from room to room, and provide steady companionship throughout the day.

Because they are small, adaptable, and emotionally intuitive, French Bulldogs can be a great fit for individuals or families looking for a loyal, loving dog that thrives on connection.

Over the years, we have seen how deeply these dogs bond with their people. Many of our puppies have gone on to become emotional support companions, and we have heard countless stories from families about the comfort, stability, and joy their Frenchie has brought into their lives. It is truly one of the most meaningful parts of what we do.

Question 13

🐾 Should my puppy go to puppy school or obedience training?

Accepted Answer

Yes — puppy kindergarten or a basic obedience class can be a wonderful experience for many French Bulldog puppies. Early training is less about strict commands and more about building good habits, confidence, and a strong bond between you and your puppy.

French Bulldogs are intelligent and people-focused, but they can also be a bit stubborn at times. Positive, reward-based training with praise and treats works especially well for this breed.

Puppy classes can also provide safe, structured socialization and help your puppy learn important skills like gentle play, listening, and being comfortable around new people and environments.

We always recommend speaking with your veterinarian about the right timing, especially since most training programs require puppies to be up to date on vaccinations before attending group classes.

With consistency, patience, and a little fun, Frenchies often thrive in training — and it can be a great foundation for a happy life together.

Question 14

🐾 I already have a French Bulldog. Is getting a second Frenchie a good idea?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for many families, adding a second French Bulldog can be a wonderful decision. Frenchies are very social, affectionate dogs, and they often enjoy having a companion to play with, nap beside, and share daily life with.

Many owners find that a second Frenchie brings even more joy to the home — and in some cases, the dogs help keep each other company when the family is busy.

That said, it’s important to consider timing, personality, and energy levels. Introducing a new puppy should be done thoughtfully, with slow introductions and supervision at first. Every dog is different, and some adult Frenchies adjust more quickly than others.

When the match is right, a two-Frenchie household can be twice the love, twice the laughter, and a truly special bond.

Frequently asked questions